Dr. Pirofski studies innate and vaccine-induced immunity to disease-causing microbes, including Cryptococcus (the leading cause of fungal meningitis globally) and Pneumococcus (the leading cause of pneumonia in the United States and globally). She has described novel ways by which antibodies protect against bacterial pneumonia and sepsis and her work has improved understanding of how Cryptococcus and Pneumococcus cause disease. read more...

Nir Barzilai, M.D.

Professor, Medicine (Endocrinology)

Director, Institute for Aging Research

Director, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging

Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research

AgingBiology of agingLongevity genes

Dr. Barzilai discovered the first “longevity gene” in humans. His research established that the gene variant that leads to high HDL, or “good cholesterol,” is linked to healthy aging and extreme longevity. Dr. Barzilai has been profiled by major outlets, including TheNew York Times and PBS’ “NOVA scienceNow.” read more...

Ana Maria Cuervo, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor, Developmental and Molecular Biology

Professor, Anatomy and Structural Biology

Co-Director, Institute for Aging Research

Robert and Renée Belfer Chair for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Molecular BiologyAgingAutophagy

Cellular biology

Dr. Barzilai discovered the first “longevity gene” in humans. His research established that the gene variant that leads to high HDL, or “good cholesterol,” is linked to healthy aging and extreme longevity. Dr. Barzilai has been profiled by major outlets, including TheNew York Times and PBS’ “NOVA scienceNow.” read more...